Obenauf small model 1 (sn #3)

Michael_Aos

Michael_Aos

Joined
Jan 25, 2001
Messages
1,639
Picked this up from Arizona Custom Knives when it was first offered. I guess it's the first small model 1 he sold. (pre-jeweled liners, if that means anything)


Anyway, it initially had a problem with the little ball-bearing on the liner-lock (the detent that keeps the blade closed). Sent it back to Mike for a quick fix and to remove the left-hand thumbstud.

The pocket clip was too tight for my taste initially, so it tended to just sit in my case. Then I shipped my TnT back to Tom Mayo for a modification, sold my small Sebenza and traded some of my other smaller knives. I've been "forced" to carry the Obenauf the last couple of weeks and it's really grown on me. I assume the clip tension has loosened up -- or at least it doesn't bug me anymore for whatever reason. Try as I might, I couldn't get it sharp on the 30 degree Sharpmaker setting (D2 at RC60 -- Sal, where are those diamond triangles!). Finally gave up and went to the 40-degree. That worked well, and it's probably a better EDC setting anyway.

Mine doesn't open / close as nicly as other Obenaufs I've seen, but it's still very nice, and the lockup is ROCK solid. I'd take this over a small Sebenza ANY day.

Overall very happy with it. I think it makes a great EDC.

Mike
 

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I donrt have a small model one, but I do have a large model one and a small model 2. I really like them. The large model 1 carries very well for a large folder. I think Mike's folders are an excellent value.
 
Thanks for the report, but that having to scan across to read it gives me a headache.

I really like folders with slim handles. I like the way they feel in my hand. That handle looks just the way I like it.
 
I have an Obenauf small model 1, #13 (Mayo has a whole story about lucky number 13;) ). IMHO one of the best knives I have ever bought, at any price. The fact that it was $300 makes it an even sweeter deal. You know the guy has a leg up on a lot of other makers with a very close mentor like Kit Carson. I just love that little knife. D-2 blade steel, carbon fiber handles, locks up solid. When I was over in Oahu I showed it to Mayo and even he liked it!

You cannot go wrong with that (or probably any) Obenauf knife. He can only get better and that is scary!

:D
 
Michael, really nice buy! Looks like a great folder. Is the blade really that dark charcoal grey, or is that a trick of the scan? Very nice!
 
It's a result of the scan. Blades just don't scan well for me.

The blade is D2, not polished -- maybe more of a satin finish. Seems like it's probably a good "user" finish -- probably hides scratches, although I haven't scratched it enough to know for sure.

Mike
 
After getting may positive comments about Mike's knives and taking a look at them over at Arizona Custom Knives, I managed to get Mike's number from Kit and called him last week to order a large #2 with a desert sand G-10. I should be getting it a week from Thursday. I'm excited to check it out! And I think I have some extra film in my camera--maybe I can figure out how to post a pic!
Regards to all!
Barry H
 
Originally posted by Hoss

You cannot go wrong with that (or probably any) Obenauf knife. He can only get better and that is scary!
Click to expand...

Ditto here. Mike's really gotten his knifemaking career off to a great start. When one is mentored by the likes of Kit Carson, it is hard to go wrong even if you tried :D I've got his large Model 1 (s/n 2) in hand rubbed D2 and green and black G-10. Its an absolute flawless piece. Mike is definitely one of the makers to watch out for in the future.
 
Michael,
You mentioned in your first post that you are looking for a set of diamond sleeves for your Sharpmaker 204. Well, I have found a "modification" that works wonders if you need to re-form an edge on any knife.
Some years ago, I picked up a handy sharpener that came with both 1/4" diamond rods and grey ceramic rods. They fit into a foldable plastic case. Company that produces them is Lohmann, but I think AG Russell carries them under his name. Problem is, there is only one "angle" and it's 45 degrees. Anyway, at my local hardware store, I picked up a pair of round, bronze fittings, 3/8" OD to 1/4" ID. They are about 1/2" long. They fit perfectly into the holes of the Sharpmaker! So then I simply insert my diamond rods into the sleeves and use my Sharpmaker when ever I want to reprofile an edge.
Also, they are sourcs of commercial abrasive aluminum oxide rods out there, but with D2, you are probably going to save alot of time using the diamond rods. Good luck keeping sharp!
Barry H
 
From the raves I got about this knife from Firebat and others here on the forums, I decided to pick up an Obenauf. I ordered a small Model 2 from Don at Phoenix blades.

While I was waiting on the Model 2 from Don, AZCK put up 4 more of Mike's knives. So I ordered the Large Model 1 and Small Model 1.

I got the 2 from AZCK and fell in love with the fit and finish of these knives. They meet or exceed any other knife I own, custom or production. I can usually find something wrong with every knife I get, nothing with these...

So, I called back AZCK and ordered the Large Model 2 so I would have a complete set :)

In the mean time, Don E-mailed me a picture of Mikes Model 3, a modified Wharncliff in a 3" blade :eek: So I ordered one in Desert Storm and should have it by late January.

A word of advise, get one of Mike's knives now if you can because the price is already going up, $325 on the small model 3. Granted it's not a big increase but it's an increase and I would think his knives will be fetching into the $400's within a year or so.. and they'll be worth every penny of it.

I too have noticed a thick edge on a couple of them which I had to reprofile to work on my Sharpmaker, but this is the case with most of my customs.
 
Thought I'd share a pic..

The large and small Model 1's are numbers 18 & 19 I think, didn't have a chance to check though. Blades are also satin finished D2, just scanned poorly..
 
This is the 3" modified wharncliff I mentioned, this ones not mine but I have one on order... :D
 
Sigh. How I have to buy another knife.

:-)

I think I'll order my next one from him directly so I can get it WITHOUT those damned ambi studs.

Mike
 
I just got a large model 1 in again. Sure is tempting to keep it. :D

The large model 2 looks good as well.
 
Originally posted by Michael_Aos
I think I'll order my next one from him directly so I can get it WITHOUT those damned ambi studs.
Click to expand...

Hey Mike,

I'm not sure because I have not tried but from the looks of it Mike O. uses a torx screw to hold in each thumb stud inependantly.

I wouldn't be suprised if you could remove the screw from the offending stud and go with just one.

Then you could shorten the old screw and use it to plug the hole or buy a new longer screw for the remaining stud and file it to be flush with the opposite side of the blade.

Just food for thought :)
 
Couldn't read this thread without sharing mine as well, hehe..

That'd be my small Model 2, soon to accompanied by a Small Model 1 in a few days, and then another Small Model 2 shortly thereafter. I really can't say enough good things about Mike's work. Absolutely superb, IMHO.

Firebat
 

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Great work.
I know Mike did make these, but some credit does have to be slung in Kits direction...for teaching.

Mike, LOOKING GOOD! Might have to pick one of these bad boys up at Blade next year...maybe before...
 
That model 3 looks nice as well, nice lines and good blade shape, very useful at a 3" length.
 
Firebat,
That is one of the nicest looking ones I've seen.

Personally, I think if Kit sticks with it, he can be as good as Mike someday :p ;)
 
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